New Sidewinder Compact^TM Scores
Big With U.S. Military Branches

First came the Streamlight Sidewinder^®, designed to give soldiers the most versatile hands-free tactical light possible. The light, which packs 20 functions, four selectable LED light colors and intensity levels plus strobe and articulating head in one light-weight package, quickly resulted in a substantial contract from the U.S. Marines Corps, as well as its designation as a standard-issue item for new recruits and those already in the corps.

Other branches of the military service quickly took note of the innovative Sidewinder, including a unit of the U.S. Navy Seals, which was in need of a smaller light that could be mounted to a helmet to increase mobility, enhance vision and improve effectiveness in the field. Following discussions with Ray Sharrah, Streamlight Chief Operating Officer and Rick Arnold, Streamlight Sales Manager - Military Division, Streamlight's engineers went to work. By replacing the larger double AA batteries preferred by the Marine Corps with a single CR123A lithium cell battery, the engineering team was able to streamline the light's design, eliminating its handle and locating all of the components in the articulating head. The result is the Sidewinder Compact™, a light so small that it measures only 3 inches in length and weighs a mere 2.4 ounces, but which offers the same functionality as the original Sidewinder.

The new light was not only well received by Navy Seals personnel, but also impressed several units of the U.S. Army because it met their "Family of Flashlights" size and weight specifications for a helmet light. After continuous vetting and feedback to Streamlight, the Army has since designated the Sidewinder Compact as the only light approved for helmet use by its personnel. Streamlight already has begun processing orders for some 9,000 lights from individual Army units, and is anticipating larger buys under the Army's overall equipment sourcing programs for field personnel.

"The Compact's general utility is just tremendous, whether for military, SWAT or general law enforcement use, especially when operating covertly," said Brett Marquardt, Streamlight's Assistant Director of Federal Law Enforcement Sales. "The Infrared LED is perfect for night-time operations and is compatible with night-vision goggles and other equipment, while the Blue LED can aid medics when checking for bleeding, or soldiers when 'buddy checking' each other for blood. The Red LED helps maintain night vision, while the white C4^® LED, with its 45 lumens of measured system output on the high setting, casts the broadest and brightest light and is good for all- purpose use."

The light's angle-head design allows for precise placement underneath a helmet visor and can be easily adjusted for maximum visibility, Marquardt said.

"The Sidewinder Compact is Streamlight's most technologically advanced illumination tool to date," added Ray Sharrah. "The lithium battery allows for an exceptionally compact, bright, and powerful light, and is less susceptible to extreme temperatures that can affect other types of batteries. It delivers more than 70 hours of runtime in the low output level for the white C4 LED and more than 100 hours for the Infrared, Red and Blue LEDs. It also is the only Streamlight light that can be started at low output and progresses to the brightest output in four steps, which is extremely useful in situations where you need light, but don't want to reveal your position."

Sharrah added that while the light was designed with the military in mind, its features and portability make it ideal for other applications, such as for police as a car visor light, and for hunters when tracking game under low light conditions. Available with or without helmet mount, the light also can be easily clipped to a Molle vest or belt.

For more information on the Sidewinder Compact, contact your Streamlight representative.  

Click here to download the fact sheet.